The Top 10 UK Wrestlers: Part 3

Welcome back to the countdown of my Top 10 UK Wrestlers! We've already recognized some foundational stars, from the sheer size and notoriety of #10 Giant Haystacks and the pioneering theatricality of #9 Adrian Street, to the beloved backstage presence of #8 Lord Alfred Hayes and the trailblazing success of #7 Saraya (Paige).

This installment brings us into the formidable Top 5, highlighting two of the most accomplished and influential champions of the modern era!

​ At #6 Nigel McGuinness: The Last of McGuinness

Nigel McGuinness's journey to becoming one of professional wrestling's most respected figures is a testament to dedication, forged far from his English homeland. Born Steven Haworth, he began his training in a non-traditional way for a British wrestler, relocating to the U.S.A before starting his wrestling apprenticeship.

After gaining further experience in the UK learning from wrestling legends like Robbie Brookside, he returned to the American independent scene with a stiff, European-influenced style and his signature Jawbreaker Lariat.

​This uncompromising approach led him to Ring of Honor (ROH), where he first captured the ROH Pure Championship and held it for a record 350 days. He later unified it with the ROH World Championship in an iconic rivalry with Bryan Danielson.

McGuinness would go on to hold the ROH World Championship for an incredible 545 days, establishing his legacy as a dominant world champion whose matches from that era are considered masterpieces of technical excellence.

Following his initial retirement from in-ring competition in 2011, McGuinness transitioned seamlessly into a highly respected commentary role, becoming a beloved voice for fans across , WWE's NXT, and NXT UK. This broadcasting career, however, did not extinguish his passion for performing, leading to a surprise, emotional in-ring return after more than a decade away at AEW's All In 2024 at Wembley Stadium.

When asked about this experience , he said:

"The experience of being in front of those people again. It's something that I arguably took for granted when I was a wrestler. When I walked out at Wembley and got that reaction, it was just incredible. So heartwarming to be remembered".

This moment helped him find "peace" regarding his career.

Currently, Nigel McGuinness is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he serves as a prominent color commentator on AEW Collision while maintaining an occasional role as an in-ring talent when the storyline is right.

At #5. Drew McIntyre: The Claymore King

Born in Ayr, Scotland, Andrew McLean Galloway IV—the future Drew McIntyre—began his career journey at a remarkably young age. He quickly became a staple on the thriving UK independent scene, performing as Drew Galloway for promotions such as British Championship Wrestling (BCW) and the burgeoning Insane Championship Wrestling (ICW), where he became the company's inaugural Heavyweight Champion.

This early European success caught the eye of WWE scouts, leading to his first signing in 2007.

​Drew McIntyre’s career is a true testament to resilience, a journey marked by the highest highs, the lowest lows, and an extraordinary resurgence. First debuting in WWE as the "Chosen One," his momentum stalled, eventually leading to his release in 2014 as part of the comedy faction, 3MB.

Rather than walking away, McIntyre embarked on a global tour of the independent circuit and Impact Wrestling, fundamentally rebuilding his persona, physique, and in-ring style. His time as Drew Galloway saw him capture the ICW, Evolve, and TNA World Heavyweight Championships, transforming him into the "Scottish Warrior" who was simply too successful to ignore.

This revitalized, championship-caliber version of McIntyre returned to WWE in 2017, dominating the NXT brand before his main roster return propelled him into the upper echelon of the company. His hard work culminated in a historic victory at the 2020 Men's Royal Rumble and a main event win at WrestleMania 36, where he defeated Brock Lesnar to become the first British and only Scottish World Champion in WWE history.

Reflecting on his deep roots, McIntyre has proudly stated:

"I love the fact that I’m flying the flag for Scotland. I always try to tell people where I came from, and I’m proud of my country.”

Who do you think has secured a spot in the final, elite Top 4? Keep your eyes posted as we continue the countdown to reveal the most influential UK wrestlers, in my opinion 😉

Kimster AFW